While researching mirrorless digital cameras, I was drawn into the Samsung NX1's orbit by the camera's fresh digital interface; intuitive operational modes; lens adaption possibilities; interval recording and impressive filmic motion imaging. Importantly, many photographer's reviews said the NX1 was a joy to shoot with. This blog will document my intention to become a better 'still' photographer; but the NX1's primary function for me will be digital-film imaging. Feel free to comment.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.7 Test Photographs

Not sure where I picked-up this lens, but it is the only Konica lens in my collection of vintage SLR lenses. This model lens can still be pick-up cheap on eBay for about $20.

A general search came across this comment from Wikipedia:"Konica SLR interchangeable lenses were named Hexanon. The optical quality of most Hexanon lenses is regarded as truly superb, particularly the older fixed-focal length (prime) lenses. Konica managed to achieve near excellent quality over a broad range of focal lengths in lens tests conducted by several photographic publications over the years. Hexanon lenses were used by the Japanese government as the standard against which all other lenses were measured."

For use on the NX1, I used an inexpensive 'Fotosay KR-NX' adapter. For the test photos here the camera was set to 'manual'. No filters were used. Hand-held. No post editing or color grading. Note: Overcast day.

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100 f8 1/800s EV -0.3

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100 f8 1/800s EV -0.3

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100 f8 1/800s EV -.03

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100 f4 1/250s 0EV

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100_f4 1/250s 0EV

Note: Slightly overexposed. I should have stopped this down.

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100 f11 1/320s EV -0.3

Note: Focus looks slightly off on this photograph

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100 f8 1/320s EV -0.3

Konica HEX-AR 50mm ISO100 f11 1/320s EV -0.3

Additional information from the Internet:The Konica Hexanon AR 50 mm f/1.7 is a normal fast lens for SLR cameras with the Konica AR bayonet mount. It came in two variants of the lens with the same optical scheme. The characteristics of the second version (after 1976 ) are equivalent to the lens in this post.With the introduction of the internal linkAutoreflex TC, the Hexanon AR 50 mm / F1.7 was revised from the earlier version. While the optical formula and optical quality remained unchanged, the lens barrel was made slimmer, shorter, and a good deal lighter. The price for this was a longer closest focusing distance of 0.55 m (1 ft 92/3") instead of the 0.45 m (1 ft 53/4") of the earlier version. In addition, the click stops of half aperture values were dropped.Finally, in sharpness the image quality is first class. Contrast and evenness of illumination are just as convincing as the neutral colour rendition – all in all, the Hexanon AR 50 mm / F1.7 is absolutely a premium, first class lens.